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Breaking News in Ile Ife, Ooni's palace, Ile-Ife (2026)

24/08/2026

OONI PAYS TRIBUTE TO LEGEND ACTOR OGOGO, COMMISERATES WITH FAMILY, NOLLYWOOD INDUSTRY

The Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula and the Natural Head of the Oduduwa race worldwide, the Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has paid tribute to veteran Nollywood actor, Alhaji Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, following his death at the age of 66.

In a condolence message on Monday by the Senior Media Officer, Ooni’s Palace, Sodiq Lawal, on behalf of the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, the Ooni who is also the Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) commiserated with the family of the deceased, the entire Nollywood industry, Yoruba actors and actresses, friends, associates and the millions of fans of the late thespian over the painful loss.

The Ooni described Ogogo as a legend of Yoruba cinema and an advocate of Yoruba culture, noting that his contributions went beyond entertainment to the preservation, promotion and projection of Yoruba language, traditions and values.

According to the Ooni, Ogogo belonged to a generation of artistes who used their talents to tell authentic Yoruba stories and bring the richness of the culture to audiences across Nigeria and beyond.

He said the late actor’s decades-long career and distinctive performances had earned him a lasting place in the history of Yoruba film and Nigerian entertainment.

“Ogogo was not merely an actor; he was an advocate of our culture. Through his craft, he promoted our language, traditions, values and identity. His contribution to Yoruba cinema will remain indelible,” the Ooni said.

The Ooni further noted that the passing of the veteran actor had created a significant vacuum in the creative industry, particularly within the Yoruba-language film sector, where Ogogo remained an influential figure for generations.

The Ooni urged members of the entertainment community and admirers of the late actor to take solace in the legacy he left behind and the impact of his works on Yoruba culture and Nigerian cinema.

He also commiserated with Ogogo’s wives, children and extended family, praying that Almighty Olodumare grant the deceased eternal rest and give the bereaved family, colleagues, friends and fans the fortitude to bear the loss.

Signed;
Sodiq Lawal,
For; Otunba Moses Olafare,
Director, Media & Public Affairs,
Ooni’s Palace.

20/08/2026

OONI CONGRATULATES OSUN-BORN ENITAN ON APPOINTMENT AS HEAD OF SERVICE OF FEDERATION

… URGES HIM TO PRIORITISE EFFICIENCY, REFORMS IN FEDERAL CIVIL SERVICE

The Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula and the Natural Head of the Oduduwa race worldwide, the Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has congratulated Mr Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan, an indigene of Osun State, on his appointment as the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.

In a statement on Thursday evening by the Senior Media Officer, Ooni’s Palace, Sodiq Lawal, on behalf of the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, the Ooni who is also the Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) described the appointment as a significant recognition of Enitan’s years of service to the nation, saying his elevation to one of the most important administrative positions in the country was a source of pride to Osun State and the entire Yoruba race.

The Ooni commended Enitan’s career in the Federal Civil Service, particularly his experience as a Permanent Secretary in different strategic ministries, describing his professional trajectory as evidence of dedication, competence and commitment to public service.

He said the new Head of Service had assumed office at a time when the Federal Civil Service required continuous innovation and institutional reforms to meet the demands of modern governance.

According to the Ooni, Enitan’s wealth of experience places him in a strong position to contribute to the strengthening of the civil service and improve the quality of service delivered to Nigerians.

“His emergence is a testament to his years of dedication and professional service to Nigeria. It is also a moment of pride for Osun State to see one of its illustrious sons entrusted with such a sensitive national responsibility.

“I urge him to prioritise efficiency, professionalism and meaningful reforms that will strengthen the Federal Civil Service and make government institutions more responsive to the needs of Nigerians,” the Ooni said.

Ooni Ogunwusi further charged Enitan to use his new position to promote a culture of excellence, accountability and innovation within the Federal Civil Service, stressing the importance of a competent public service to Nigeria’s development.

The Ooni expressed confidence that Enitan would bring his experience and administrative expertise to bear on the new assignment and contribute positively to the ongoing efforts to improve the effectiveness of government institutions.

He wished the new Head of Service a successful tenure and prayed for wisdom, good health and divine guidance as he takes on the national responsibility.

Signed;
Sodiq Lawal,
For; Otunba Moses Olafare,
Director, Media & Public Affairs,
Ooni’s Palace.

20/08/2026

OONIRISA ACQUIRES BRAND-NEW RANGE ROVER AUTOBIOGRAPHY!

Another magnificent addition to the Royal Fleet. More luxury, more elegance, and more blessings for Kabiyesi

09/08/2026

OONI UNVEILS NAMES OF NEWBORN PRINCESS

The Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula and the Natural Head of the Oduduwa race worldwide, the Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, on Sunday evening officially unveiled the names of his newborn princess at a colourful traditional naming ceremony held at the ancient Emese Court within the Ooni’s Palace in Ile-Ife, Osun State.

The ceremony, which marked the formal traditional naming ceremony of the royal Princess into the revered House of Oduduwa, brought together traditional rulers, palace chiefs, custodians of Yoruba culture and tradition, family members, dignitaries and well-wishers from across the country.

The event was held exactly one week after the safe delivery of the royal Baby girl by the Ooni’s wife, Queen Oluwatosin Ogunwusi.

In a statement issued by the Senior Media Officer, Ooni’s Palace, Sodiq Lawal, on behalf of the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Otunba Moses Olafare, the ceremony was described as a significant moment of joy and thanksgiving for the royal household and the people of Ile-Ife.

The colourful ceremony featured rich displays of Yoruba culture and tradition, prayers, royal blessings and symbolic rites performed in accordance with the customs of the ancient Ile-Ife kingdom, regarded as the spiritual cradle of the Yoruba race.

Among those who played prominent roles at the ceremony were the custodians of various deities, traditionally known as Oba Isoro, alongside Obas and distinguished Ife High Chiefs.

In the course of the traditional rites, prayers were offered for the newborn princess using several symbolic items associated with Yoruba traditional blessings and prayers, including sugarcane, Aadun, honey, dried fish, money, pen, bitter kola, kola nuts, alligator pepper, snails, schnapps, water, palm oil, doves and other sacred and culturally significant items.

The items, according to the traditional custodians, symbolised wishes for sweetness, prosperity, wisdom, longevity, abundance, peace, knowledge, fertility, divine protection and a life of honour for the royal children.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Lowa Adimula of Ife, Oba Ademola Adeyeye, formally announced the traditional names of the newborn princess with the approval of the Ooni.

The princess was named Adelewa, Adeyele, Adeshikemi and Ayoade, Omo Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II.

Lowa Adimula offered prayers for the royal baby girl, asking Almighty Olodumare to grant her wisdom, sound health, strength, grace and long life, while also praying that she would grow into worthy representative of the royal dynasty and ambassador of the Yoruba race.

He expressed gratitude to Olodumare for the successful delivery of the royal princess, describing her arrival as a momentous occasion for the Ooni’s Palace, the ancient city of Ile-Ife and the wider Yoruba race.

The Lowa Adimula also congratulated the Ooni and Queen Oluwatosin on the historic addition to the royal household, praying that the arrival of the princess would usher in greater peace, prosperity, unity and progress for the kingdom.

In his remarks, the Ooni, who is also the Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), expressed profound gratitude to Almighty Olodumare for what he described as a precious gift of new life and a divine blessing to the House of Oduduwa.

The Ooni attributed the safe delivery of the royal babies to the unfailing grace and faithfulness of Olodumare, expressing appreciation to God for preserving the mother and baby throughout the period of pregnancy and delivery.

The Ooni said the birth of the princess was not only a source of immense happiness to the royal family but also a blessing that would be celebrated by the people of Ile-Ife and the entire Yoruba race.

He prayed that the newborn princess would flourish in wisdom, grace, honour, sound health and divine favour, and that their lives would be defined by purpose, service, excellence and a strong connection to the rich heritage of the Yoruba people.

The Ooni further prayed for the continued preservation of the royal household and the House of Oduduwa, asking Olodumare to grant the ancient kingdom enduring peace, unity, prosperity and progress.

He also expressed appreciation to traditional rulers, palace chiefs, family members, friends and well-wishers who joined the royal household in celebrating the arrival of the princesses and for their prayers and goodwill.

Signed:
Sodiq Lawal
For: Otunba Moses Olafare
Director, Media and Public Affairs
Ooni’s Palace

04/08/2026

OONI DONATES N100M, HILUX VEHICLE TO SUPPORT SUNDAY IGBOHO’S IRU EKUN SECURITY NETWORK

The Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula and the Natural Head of the Oduduwa race worldwide, the Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has donated the sum of ₦100 million and a brand-new Hilux vehicle to support the operations of the Iru Ekun Security Network, a community-based security initiative established by renowned Yoruba Nation advocate, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho.

The royal gesture was announced by Ooni on Tuesday evening during a courtesy visit by Chief Sunday Igboho and members of the Iru Ekun Security Network to the Ooni’s Palace in Ile-Ife.

In a statement issued by the Senior Media Officer, Ooni’s Palace, Sodiq Lawal, on behalf of the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Otunba Moses Olafare, the revered monarch described the security initiative as a timely intervention aimed at complementing existing security efforts towards safeguarding lives, property of the Yoruba people.

The Ooni commended Chief Sunday Igboho for his courage, resilience and unwavering commitment to the security and collective wellbeing of the Yoruba race, noting that genuine leadership is demonstrated through selfless service and practical contributions to the development of society.

According to the Ooni, every responsible son and daughter of Oduduwa has a duty to contribute meaningfully to the peace, unity and prosperity of Yorubaland, stressing that security remains the foundation upon which sustainable development can thrive.

The Ooni said the donation was not merely a financial contribution but a demonstration of his commitment to initiatives that promote peace, communal harmony and the protection of the Yoruba people.

“I commend Chief Sunday Igboho for taking a bold step towards strengthening community security. Protecting our people is a collective responsibility that transcends political, religious and ideological differences. Every initiative genuinely designed to preserve lives and maintain peace deserves encouragement and support,” the Ooni stated.

He urged prominent Yoruba sons and daughters, traditional rulers, traditionalists, community leaders, business executives, professionals and all stakeholders across the globe to rally behind the Iru Ekun.

Describing Sunday Igboho as a courageous and determined patriot, the foremost African Monarch said history would always remember individuals who chose to stand for the protection of their people at critical moments.

“Our strength lies in our unity. When we speak with one voice and work together, no force can undermine the peace and progress of Yorubaland. This is the time for all lovers of Yoruba culture and heritage to unite for a common purpose,” the Ooni added.

Responding, Chief Sunday Igboho expressed profound appreciation to the Ooni for the generous support and fatherly encouragement extended to the Iru Ekun Security Network.

He described the Ooni as a God-sent leader whose humility, wisdom and commitment to the unity of the Yoruba race have continued to inspire millions of people across the world.

“The Ooni is the father of all Yoruba people worldwide. He is God’s gift to our race. His love for the Yoruba nation, humility and kindness distinguish him among traditional rulers. I have come to receive his royal blessings as we continue our mission of protecting our people,” Igboho said.

He noted that the visit was not only to brief the Ooni on the progress of the Iru Ekun Security Network but also to seek his continued royal guidance, prayers and endorsement for the initiative.

Chief Igboho further disclosed plans to organise a summit that will bring together traditional rulers from across Yorubaland to deliberate on practical solutions to security challenges confronting the region.

According to him, the proposed summit, subject to the approval and blessings of the Ooni, is expected to hold at the Ooni’s Palace in Ile-Ife, regarded as the ancestral and spiritual headquarters of the Yoruba people.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the Iru Ekun Security Network to operating within the law while collaborating with relevant authorities and local communities in promoting peace, intelligence gathering and community policing across Yorubaland.

Signed;
Sodiq Lawal,
For, Otunba Moses Olafare,
Director, Media and Public Affairs,
Ooni’s Palace.

02/08/2026

ROYAL CELEBRATION AS OONI WELCOMES NEW PRINCESS WITH OLORI OLUWATOSIN

The Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula and the Natural Head of the Oduduwa race worldwide, the Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has welcomed the birth of a Royal Princess with his queen, Her Majesty Olori Oluwatosin Ogunwusi.

The joyous announcement was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the Senior Media Officer, Ooni’s Palace, Sodiq Lawal on behalf of the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare.

The Ooni expressed profound gratitude to Almighty Olodumare for what he described as the precious gift of new life and a divine blessing to the House of Oduduwa.

According to the statement, the Ooni attributed the safe delivery to Olodumare’s unfailing grace and faithfulness, offering prayers that the newborn Princess would flourish in wisdom, grace, honour and divine favour throughout her lifetime.

“The Ooni gives all glory to Almighty Olodumare for His unfailing grace and the precious gift of new life. His Imperial Majesty heartily congratulates the entire House of Oduduwa on the blessed arrival of a Royal Princess through Her Majesty, Olori Oluwatosin,” the statement read.

The Palace also reassured the public that Her Majesty, Olori Oluwatosin, and the Royal Princess are both in excellent health.

The Ooni prayed that Almighty Olodumare would continue to preserve the royal household, bless the House of Oduduwa with enduring peace and prosperity, and grant the newborn Princess a life filled with purpose, honour and abundant grace.

Signed;
Sodiq Lawal,
For; Otunba Moses Olafare,
Director, Media and Public Affairs,
Ooni’s Palace.

02/08/2026

ABESE OLUBADAN: OONI COMMISERATES WITH OLUBADAN, GOV. MAKINDE OVER DEATH OF HIGH CHIEF LEKAN ALABI

The Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula and the Natural Head of the Oduduwa race worldwide, the Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has commiserated with the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Royal Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and the family of the late High Chief (Oloye) Lekan Alabi, describing his transition as a monumental loss to Yorubaland and Nigeria.

Chief Lekan Alabi, the Abese Olubadan of Ibadanland, veteran journalist, accomplished public relations practitioner, cultural ambassador and respected historian, passed away on Saturday in Lagos at the age of 76. He is expected to be buried on Sunday in accordance with Islamic rites.

This is contained in a statement on Sunday by the Senior Media Officer, Ooni’s Palace, Sodiq Lawal on behalf of the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare.

The Ooni who is also the Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) described the late elder statesman as an exceptional communicator whose remarkable contributions to journalism, public relations, culture and the preservation of Yoruba history earned him enduring respect across the country.

According to the Ooni, the late Abese Olubadan was not only a distinguished media professional but also a dependable bridge-builder whose wisdom, humility and unwavering commitment to promoting Yoruba heritage made him an invaluable asset to the traditional institution and society at large.

Ooni Ogunwusi noted that Chief Alabi maintained a close and cordial relationship with the House of Oduduwa, where his intellectual depth and passion for the promotion of Yoruba culture and history were always cherished.

Ooni said, “High Chief Lekan Alabi dedicated his life to the promotion of truth, cultural values and responsible public communication. He was a respected custodian of history, a refined public relations strategist and a worthy ambassador of Yoruba civilisation whose influence extended far beyond Ibadanland.

“His passing has created a vacuum that will be difficult to fill. He served the Yoruba race with uncommon devotion and remained committed to strengthening the dignity of our traditional institutions through knowledge, diplomacy and exemplary service.”

While praying for the peaceful repose of the deceased, Ooni Ogunwusi urged the Olubadan-in-Council, the people of Ibadanland, the media community and all associates of the late High Chief to take solace in his enduring legacy of integrity, professionalism, patriotism and selfless service to humanity.

Signed;
Sodiq Lawal,
For; Otunba Moses Olafare,
Director, Media & Public Affairs,
Ooni’s Palace.

29/07/2026

OONI NARRATES HIS CHILDHOOD HAWKING EXPERIENCE, COMMENDS OLUREMI TINUBU FOR EMPOWERING 1000 ILE-IFE PETTY TRADERS WITH N50M

The Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula and the Natural Head of the Oduduwa race worldwide, the Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has recounted his humble childhood experiences, revealing that he hawked goods while growing up despite being born into a royal family.

In a statement by the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare said, the revered monarch shared his personal story while commending Nigeria’s First Lady and Chairman of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for empowering 1,000 women petty traders in Ile-Ife with ₦50 million in business recapitalisation grants.

The Ooni spoke at his palace in Ile-Ife on Wednesday during the Renewed Hope Initiative Economic Empowerment Programme, where each of the 1,000 beneficiaries received ₦50,000 to support and expand their businesses, bringing the total value of the intervention to ₦50 million.

The First Lady was represented at the event by the wife of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaja Kafayat Olaitan Oyetola, the wife of the Osun State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Dr. Sekinat Bola Oyebamiji; the wife of the APC deputy governorship candidate, Princess Adebukola Adereti; the Osun APC Women Leader, Alhaja Kudirat Fakokunde; and other prominent women leaders of the party in the state.

Addressing the beneficiaries, Ooni Ogunwusi expressed appreciation to Senator Oluremi Tinubu for extending the Renewed Hope Initiative to Ile-Ife, describing the programme as a significant grassroots intervention aimed at supporting women and strengthening small-scale businesses.

Reflecting on his early years, the Ooni encouraged the beneficiaries not to allow their present circumstances to define their future.

“I thank all of you, especially our mothers. I love you all dearly. I hawked during my childhood days despite being a prince. Life teaches us that no condition is permanent, and no one truly knows what tomorrow holds. Your children can become greater than you if they remain focused and hardworking,” the Ooni said.

He urged the women to remain hopeful despite the prevailing economic challenges, stressing that perseverance, prudent financial management and commitment to their businesses would improve their livelihoods.

The Ooni also appreciated Alhaja Kafayat Oyetola, Dr. Sekinat Oyebamiji and other women leaders for facilitating the successful implementation of the programme in Ile-Ife.

He advised the beneficiaries to invest the grants in their businesses rather than spending the money on non-essential items, noting that proper utilisation would enable them to expand their trading activities and improve their family incomes.

Earlier, Dr. Sekinat Oyebamiji said the empowerment programme reflected Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s commitment to improving the welfare of women, particularly those engaged in petty trading and street hawking.

She explained that the First Lady conceived the initiative to cushion the effects of economic hardship on vulnerable women, adding that the Ooni ensured that genuine beneficiaries from Ile-Ife were selected for the programme.

“The First Lady thought about women who struggle daily through petty trading and street hawking. Kabiyesi ensured that those who genuinely needed support were selected. We encourage every beneficiary to invest this money in her business so that it can yield lasting benefits,” she said.

Also speaking, Alhaja Kafayat Oyetola emphasised that the ₦50,000 grant was strictly meant for business recapitalisation.

“This money is meant to support your business. Please do not divert it to ceremonies or unnecessary expenses. Let it serve as additional capital to grow your business. We also encourage you to continue praying for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senator Oluremi Tinubu for their commitment to improving the lives of ordinary Nigerians,” she said.

Signed;
Otunba Moses Olafare,
Director, Media and Public Affairs,
Ooni’s Palace.

28/07/2026

SALU OF EDUNABON FAULTS OLUWO’S Ọ̀ṢUN WEST COUNCIL OF OBAS, SAYS IT LACKS LEGAL BACKING

The Salu of Edunabon, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Amb.) Adesoji Kehinde Oladepo, JP, Akinrinsa II, has faulted the establishment of the Osun West Council of Obas, describing the newly inaugurated body as lacking legal recognition under the Chieftaincy Laws of Osun State.

The monarch, who is also the Acting Chairman of the Ife North Chieftaincy Committee, stated this while speaking with journalists on Tuesday in reaction to the inauguration of the Osun West Council of Obas at the palace of the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, where the Oluwo was appointed the council’s permanent chairman.

Oba Oladepo maintained that the traditional institution in Osun State is guided by clearly established laws and government gazettes, insisting that no provision exists for the creation of a council of obas on the basis of the state’s senatorial districts.

According to him, the Osun State Council of Obas remains the highest recognised traditional institution in the state, with the Ooni serving as its Permanent Chairman as provided by law.

He explained that, aside from the state council, the only other recognised traditional administrative structures are the traditional councils established under the law and the chieftaincy committees operating across the state’s 30 local government areas.

He said, “There are only three recognised traditional structures in Osun State. The Osun State Council of Obas and Chiefs is the apex traditional institution, with the Ooni of Ife as its Permanent Chairman. We also have the traditional councils established by law and chieftaincy committees in all the 30 local government areas.

“Any arrangement outside these recognised structures has no legal foundation. There is nothing known as the Osun West Council of Obas in the laws or gazette of Osun State.”

The Salu of Edunabon argued that any institution seeking official recognition within the traditional system must derive its authority from the relevant provisions of the state’s Chieftaincy Law, adding that no individual or group possesses the authority to establish a parallel traditional council outside the legal framework.

He further stated that the newly formed council has neither historical nor statutory recognition, stressing that it cannot exercise any official authority within the state’s traditional institution.

“The so-called Osun West Council of Obas is not recognised by the Government of Osun State. It is not recognised by law, and it has no historical foundation. As far as the law is concerned, it is null and void,” he said.

Oba Oladepo also alleged that the creation of the council appeared to be aimed at attracting public attention rather than strengthening the existing traditional institution recognised by law.

He called on traditional rulers across Osun State to continue to uphold the established legal framework governing the institution of traditional rulers, noting that respect for due process remains essential to preserving the dignity, unity and credibility of the state’s revered traditional system.

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28/07/2026

OONI CONDEMNS RISING POLITICAL TENSION IN OSUN, URGES INEC TO ENSURE CREDIBLE ELECTION

The Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula and the Natural Head of the Oduduwa race worldwide, the Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has condemned the rising political tension in Osun State ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election.

In a statement by the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, said the foremost African monarch made the appeal on Tuesday evening at the ancient Ooni’s Palace in Ile-Ife while receiving the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, who led a delegation of the commission on a courtesy visit to seek the support and blessings of the traditional institution ahead of the off-cycle governorship election.

The INEC delegation was received by the Ooni alongside prominent monarchs from the Osun State Council of Obas, who gathered at the palace for the engagement.

The Ooni urged political stakeholders to embrace peace and allow the electorate to determine the state’s next governor through a free, fair and credible electoral process.

Addressing the INEC Chairman, the Ooni said the prevailing political atmosphere in the state had become increasingly worrisome, stressing that traditional rulers, as custodians of peace and unity, could not remain silent while tensions continued to escalate.

“There is political tension in Osun State and, truth be told, the tension is becoming unbearable for us. As traditional rulers, we must remain above politics because Osun State is bigger than any politician. We occupy the thrones of our forefathers and our responsibility is to speak the truth at all times, irrespective of political affiliations,” the Ooni said.

He emphasised that the traditional institution owed a duty to engage political leaders constructively and remind them that governance should be centred on justice, fairness and the welfare of the people rather than partisan interests.

According to the Ooni, politicians may change alliances based on personal or political interests, but the traditional institution remains permanently committed to protecting the peace, stability and unity of the state.

“Politics is about interests. Those who are opponents today may become allies tomorrow, but the people remain. We do not want political interests to divide our communities or threaten the peace of Osun State. Let the people come out freely to vote and decide who they want to govern them,” he stated.

The revered monarch called on INEC to discharge its constitutional responsibilities with absolute neutrality, transparency and professionalism, noting that the electoral umpire holds the key to reducing the current political anxiety across the state.

“You are the umpire. Be very just, upright and transparent in the conduct of this election. We want the election to be free, fair and credible. You have the responsibility to douse the growing tension and inspire confidence among all political stakeholders,” he said.

The Ooni further commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral process and for creating an enabling environment for INEC to operate independently.

“We appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for empowering INEC to function independently and for providing the commission with the support needed to carry out its constitutional mandate. We believe the commission should justify that confidence by ensuring justice, fairness and credibility throughout the electoral process,” he added.

While appealing to political parties, candidates and their supporters to avoid inflammatory rhetoric capable of provoking violence, the monarch warned against allowing political competition to degenerate into hostility.

He stressed that no election should be allowed to destroy relationships or permanently divide communities, reminding politicians that they would continue to coexist long after the polls.

“The traditional institution will continue to promote peace across Osun State. We will continue to encourage politicians to embrace peaceful campaigns because elections should never become a source of bloodshed, destruction or division,” he said.

The Ooni also urged citizens to participate peacefully in the electoral process without fear or intimidation, insisting that the wishes of the electorate must ultimately prevail.

Earlier, INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, said the visit to the Ooni’s Palace was both a cultural obligation and an institutional engagement aimed at securing the support of the traditional institution for a peaceful governorship election.

Describing Ile-Ife as the ancestral home of the Yoruba race and the Ooni as the foremost custodian of Yoruba culture and tradition, Amupitan said the commission recognised the influential role of traditional rulers in promoting peace and public confidence during elections.

“We have come to pay homage to Your Imperial Majesty and seek your royal blessings. Osun occupies a unique place in Nigeria because its people are politically conscious. This election is significant, not only for Osun State, but also as a major test ahead of the 2027 general elections,” he said.

The INEC chairman assured the royal fathers that the commission remained committed to delivering a free, fair, transparent and credible governorship election, adding that technology, including the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), would be fully deployed to safeguard the integrity of the process.

He disclosed that rebuilding public confidence in INEC remained a major priority of his administration, stressing that such confidence could only be earned through transparent elections that genuinely reflect the will of the people.

Amupitan also appealed to the traditional rulers to intensify efforts at promoting peaceful coexistence by prevailing on political actors and their supporters to reject violence and embrace issue-based campaigns.

He expressed concern over the prevailing security situation in the state and urged political parties to refrain from actions capable of threatening public peace.

The INEC chairman further cautioned against vote-buying and other electoral malpractices, encouraging eligible voters to reject inducements and exercise their civic responsibility freely.

He assured residents that adequate electoral materials would be deployed across the state ahead of the election, while urging political parties and members of the public to rely only on official information from INEC and avoid spreading unverified claims capable of heightening political tension.

Signed;
Otunba Moses Olafare,
Director, Media and Public Affairs,
Ooni’s Palace.

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